By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – After Santa Claus rolls through Chelsea during the annual Christmas parade Dec. 15, attendees will have a Christmas village to peruse for gifts and treats.

About 25 arts, crafts and food vendors are registered to sell their wares of custom clay pieces, metal creations, jewelry, hand-turned wooden bowls, ornaments and much more.

The food area will be open before the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Attendees can enjoy cookies, rolls, coffee and homemade hot chocolate. Johnny Ray’s Barbecue will be available, as well.

“I’ve noticed every year the parade gets a little bigger. Some people or businesses don’t want a float in the parade, but are considering the village because they can come in and put up a tent. Still gets their name out there and visibility without having to put a float together,” said Brenda Mellen, event coordinator.

Yellowleaf subdivision homeowners’ association has organized the Christmas village. Proceeds from vendor fees will benefit the subdivision’s park project. The park already features a play fort and picnic area. In the HOA’s long-range plan, the 14-acre park will feature a bridge across Dogwood Creek, a pavilion and a running circle, according to Mellen, who is also the vice president of the HOA and park project chairperson.

The Christmas village will be off Shelby County 47 behind the Chelsea Winn Dixie shopping center. Vendor registration is open until Nov. 30. For more information, visit Yellowleafhoa.com/Christmas-village.html or contact Mellen at 678-2437 or mellen_brenda@yahoo.com.